Why Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik says the line is getting better

The Texans' offensive line has seen its struggles this season, but offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik says he's convinced it's getting better.

"Any group of five that you have upfront always is different," Slowik said Thursday. "Guys have different strengths in different areas that you play to in both phases. I would say [C/G] Juice [Scruggs] having a lot of football under his belt, in particular, at center and then moving out to guard really has enabled him to have a ton of command and awareness in what is going on. He was running the show not too long ago and now he is just as aware of all the different looks and things that could happen. Now he is at a position that doesn't necessarily need to make the calls, so he is just able to take in more which has been really cool to see.

"There has been a process going from guard to center, it is different still. Some of the ways he has to approach the run game and the pass game, and the sets is a little different. He has done a really good job growing from the first week there to the second week there. We will just work to continue that, and 'JP' [C/G Jarrett Patterson] has just absolutely owed all of the control. Everything you could as for as far as a center goes, he has knocked it out of the park. He has been great at communication, he has been great on the sidelines, he has been great talking to the other guys out on the field.

"Then he has really grown as far as his play style. Last year, we always thought he was solid in protection. We were growing into the run game and that has not been an issue for him whatsoever so far this year which is a testament to him and the work he has put in."

In The Loop talked Friday about this being the ultimate test for Houston's offensive line. If they pass the test, does it mean the Texans have turned the corner?